The Park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok and locates the three adminsitrative district of West, East and Central Lombok. The area covers 12,357.67 ha in the west, 22,152.88 ha in the east and 6,819.45 ha in central Lombok. Rinjani dominates the National Park of Lombok, an island east of Bali on the Indonesian archipelago. At 3,726 m asl it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, part of the infamous ring of the fire that encircles the basin of the Pacific. Within the crater is the spectacular 'Segara Anak' lake and the still active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363 m asl).
It is surounded by further 66,000 ha of Protection Forest also covers the three administrative districts. The park ecosystem is in the transitional zone between Asia and Australia (Walaceae Zone). Average rainfall is about 2,000 mm annually (on average), Temperature 23Gunung Rinjani is rich in variety of flora and fauna and vegetation types. There are 114 families and more than 500 several of floras found and about 50 species of plant that can be used for traditional medicine. While fauna in Gunung Rinjani is about 12 mammals and reptiles species, more than 50 birds species and more 50 several of butterflies which some are protected and has limited area of spread. On the south western side of mountain is the most eastern extent of primary rainforest in Nusa Tenggara. This gives way to monsoon forest and drier climate in the east, and savannah in the north east. Notable flora includes the everlasting Edelweiss Flower (Anaphalis viscida), Tiger Orchid (Vanda sp.), Alang-alang Grass (Imperata cylindrical), Cemara Trees (Casuarina trifolia and Casuarina ocidentale).
Some of endangered plants are protected in this national park, such as Pterospermum javanicum , Swietenia macrophylla, Ficus superba, Toona sureni, Vanda sp., Usnea sp., and Anaphalis sp. and there are also several endangered fauna protected in this national park, including Rusa Deer, Indian Muntjac, Sunda Porcupine, Surili Monkeys, Helmeted Friarbird, several Cockatoos and Scaly-crowned Honeyeater.Gunung Rinjani, one of the 50 National Parks through out Indonesia and 21 become National Parks model included Gunung Rinjani National Park, it was established in 1997. It is values and protected for its spiritual as well natural values, and is worshipped by thousands of Balinese as well as Sasak pilgrims. Hot springs near the crater lake are sought after for their healing powers.
Over 38 villages spread out in 12 sub-districts surround Rinjani and there are many route up to the mountain, but the main acces is from Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.A model of ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point to the though trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistant since 1999, the Rinjani Trek centre embodies under the one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, Tourism industry and local communities that has been forgot to manage and protect the Rinjani Mountain environment.
Volcanic cone which has formed in the center, Rinjani last erupted in 1994, and evidence of this can be seen in the fresh lava and yellow sulfur around the inner cone. Central Lombok, to the south of Rinjani, is similar to Bali with rich alluvial plains and fields irrigated by water flowing from the mountain. In the far south and east it is drier, with the scrubby, barren hills. This area gets little rain and often has droughts which can last for months. In recent years, several dams have been built, so the abundant rain fall of the wet season can be retained for irrigation throughout the year.Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 280/Kpts-VI/1997, June 3, 1997.
